10 Video Games That Ignored PERFECT Endings

Mass Effect 3, Fallout 3, Prey; these are all examples of fantastic games that absolutely fudged their endings. The thing is, while it's easy to point at a video game and say, "hey, that ending sucks," it's also easy to see how difficult it can be to pull off a good gaming crescendo, as taking the hours-long experience of a title and ending it in a satisfying way is no easy feat. 

Given this tricky balance, gamers are more than used to seeing the whole spectrum of quality when it comes to game endings. Some nail their closing moments, and others butcher them. However, there's also a hidden middle ground, for some games continue after already delivering the perfect ending. 

Rather than completely screwing the pooch, these games came close to greatness, offering players a fantastic ending, only to then reveal a different, less impressive climax. This can be the result of anything from bad post-credit scenes to DLC that retcons their former finales. Still, no matter what, these games filled players with joy before pulling the rug out from underneath them. 

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This list will contain major spoilers for every game discussed. 

It's entirely possible for a video game ending to make you extremely happy and bitterly disappointed at the same time. If you don't believe that, then play Ico - well, you should play it regardless because it's a masterpiece, but still. 

Ico is a game that banks on the relationship between the titular Ico and a girl named Yorda. This pair traverse a desolate castle, with Ico physically protecting Yorda, who in turn is essential for navigating the environment. It's a truly symbiotic relationship, which is what makes it all the sadder when you find out that Yorda cannot leave the island. 

The ending plays out perfectly, with Yorda using the remains of her strength to save Ico by placing him on a boat and sending him away from the crumbling structure. It's emotionally devastating, but a wonderfully profound subversion of their roles. Sadly, it's completely contradicted when Ico lands on a shore and finds Yorda there too, who awakens in her human form and smiles at him. How is she there? Is this even real? Nothing is firmly established, leaving the game on a somewhat confused note. 

Sure, a happy ending is great, but a bittersweet one that suits the story and themes is even better.